Nicholas, Sheilah E., “Language, Epistemology, and Cultural Identity: ‘Hopiqatsit Aw Unanguakiwyungwa‘ (‘They Have Their Heart in the Hopi Way of Life’)”, American Indian Culture and Research Journal, 2010, Vol. 34, No. 2, pp. 125-144.

This article provides an in-depth “on the ground” look at the Hopi language shift—“becoming accustomed to speaking English”—through the lenses of the study participants who represent the youth, parent, and grandparent generations. The article also gives attention to Hopi oral tradition and the Hopi identity-formation process in order to articulate the link among language, epistemology, and identity, spotlighting what of the traditions, practices, and religion remain salient and why they remain salient. [p. 127]

The number of western texts written about Hopi culture is enormous. The work of Jesse Walter Fewkes, beginning in the 1890s, marks a key starting point in the articulation of a western perspective of Hopi culture, initiating a canon rooted in nineteenth-century anthropological thought. Fewkes’s work also illustrates how the establishment of a “cultural archive” was pragmatically related to his research, which included excavations of Hopi sites (notably the village of Awatovi), as well as through his personal commentary. This article examines nineteenth-century anthropological theory, Fewkes’s employment of that theoretical orientation, and how his work established the foundation of a “cultural archive” that constitutes a canon in the study of Hopi culture. But more importantly, by critically reading these texts a decolonization process reveals a western imperialistic mind at work. [p. 65]

I want to congratulate our Hopi High boys cross country team for winning their 21st straight Class 2A State Championship. This is a remarkable achievement. In an article in The Arizona Republic, reporter Jose M. Romero noted that Hopi runner Justin Secakuku won the Division IV meet for the team yesterday in Phoenix, Arizona. Congratulations to the Hopi High runners and their coaches for once again bringing honors to our people. Be sure to check out the following link for more information about this story: http://www.azcentral.com/sports/preps/articles/2010/11/06/20101106hopi-boys-cross-country-titles.html

On October 27, 2010, the Navajo-Hopi Observer (NHO) reported that the “Hopi Tribal Council approved a resolution that will keep the Homolovi Ruins Historic Park opened, which will allow safeguard and protection of the cultural and religious site.” State officials closed the Park in February 2010 to help alleviate Arizona’s budget deficit. According to the report in the NHO, the Hopi Tribe has agreed to contribute $175,000 to subsidize the Park’s operating costs. To learn more about this important development, please visit the following website: http://www.navajohopiobserver.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=12970

I am pleased to announce that Sahmie Sunshine Wytewa, an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe and lifelong educator, is an official candidate for the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) board of directors. Wytewa comes to the NIEA with an incredible amount of experience, a passion for the advancement of Indian education, a close connection to the Hopi community, and an impeccable work ethic. NIEA members will have the opportunity to vote for candidates at the upcoming NIEA Convention held in San Diego, California, on October 7-10, 2010. Below is Wytewa’s personal statement on the NIEA website: http://www.niea.org/events/board.php

Sahmie Sunshine Wytewa, Hopi: Ms. Wytewa is a prime candidate for NIEA board membership given her strengths as a practicing educator, educational background, and her strong desire to provide leadership in education. In addition to her professional qualities, she is also an involved community member of the Hopi tribe who has endured the challenges of balancing her culture and educational pursuits. As a mother, Sahmie has taken great care in providing the experiences of traditional values and real-life expectations for her children.

As an educator, Ms. Wytewa understands the significance of accountability in academic achievement and the inequalities that are reflected in the quality of education and misrepresentation of Native populations in regards to academic performance. Working in underperforming schools going through School Improvement, she has the working knowledge of current initiatives in educational reform. Her skills as a teacher have allowed her firsthand insight into the trends in achievement, learning modes of children, and research-based strategies that promote academic growth.

Ms. Wytewa’s continued professional growth is the direct result of her desire to improve the quality of education and learning experiences for all students. Channeling her efforts to further develop reform in Indian education, Sahmie has chosen the course of advancement through leadership. She is committed to working in collaboration with like-minded individuals or groups towards student-centered reform.

With strong ties to her community, Sahmie has an authentic link giving her the advantage of providing background in an otherwise vague theme of Indian education. It is with these combined strengths and efforts, that Ms. Wytewa can be a true asset to the NIEA board in providing many perspectives of education.

Last weekend I attended the 77th Annual Hopi Show at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff and spoke with volunteer DJ “Jimbo” (pictured on the left) and Richard Alun Davis (pictured in the center), Station Manager for KUYI 88.1 FM, the official radio station of the Hopi Tribe. They informed me that the radio station is now being transmitted via a live stream on the internet.

In addition to playing a variety of music from rock-n-roll, reggae, country western, and religious selections, KUYI is committed to broadcasting programs in the Hopi language. Other programs focus on Hopi health, education, farming, and youth.

When I spoke with Davis at the Hopi Show, I asked him if KUYI would be willing to transmit the audio of Beyond the Mesas. He seemed very interested in the idea. Once we finalize the details, I will make an announcement on my blog.

Since the 1930s, more than 60 artists have come together each year to sell and demonstrate their art to the public at the annual Hopi Show. Held on the 4th of July weekend at the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff, the Hopi Show attracts thousands of visitors from around the world to witness and experience authentic Hopi art, dance, music, and food.

In addition to the artists, several vendors and Hopi organizations such as the Hopi Education Endowment Fund, the Hopi Foundation, and the Black Mesa Trust participate in the event. The show organizers also provide special activities for children, including crafts, ceramics, and an exhibit where kids learn to grind corn and make piki (paper-thin bread) according to the Hopi way.

About the author

Matthew Sakiestewa Gilbert is enrolled with the Hopi Tribe from the village of Upper Moencopi in northeastern Arizona. He is an associate professor of History at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

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A Second Wave of Hopi Migration (History of Education Quarterly, August 2014)

Sun Chief: An Autobiography of A Hopi Indian by Don C. Talayesva, New foreword by Matthew Sakiestewa Gilbert (Sept. 2013)

Marathoner Louis Tewanima and the Continuity of Hopi Running, 1908-1912 (Western Historical Quarterly, Autumn 2012). Winner of Spur Award for Best Western Short Nonfiction, Western Writers of America (2013)